The Integration of 4IR Technologies in Architectural Education for Upskilling the Workforce in the Nigerian Built Environment

Chika Okafor, Clinton Aigbavboa, John Aliu, Ornella Tanga

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

There is an increasing awareness and adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies in the Architectural, Engineering and Construction, Operations and Management (AECOM) industry. This has placed significant pressures on academia to develop and produce graduates who are equipped with literacy skills to seamlessly transit into the world of work after graduation. However, universities in developing nations such as Nigeria have struggled to integrate 4IR technologies such as visualization tools into their curricula. This study filled this gap by exploring the various 4IR technologies that are relevant for teaching architectural designs and 3D visualization in the architecture discipline. This study further explained how these technologies can be employed in architectural education to improve students understanding of the design and building processes, thus equipping them for the world of work. The objectives were achieved by reviewing existing theoretical literature on how 4IR technologies can promote the upskilling of architectural students learning. Findings from this study revealed that the integration of 4IR technologies in architectural education can enhance students understanding of the design and construction processes and upskill them for greater productivity in the industry. This study therefore recommended the integration of 4IR technologies in architecture education and generally in AECO disciplines for improved learning outcomes and employability of the students. This study also offers a reference point as well as directions for future research in exploring other 4IR technologies for technology-enhanced architecture pedagogy.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAdvances in Information Technology in Civil and Building Engineering - Proceedings of ICCCBE 2022 - Volume 2
EditorsSebastian Skatulla, Hans Beushausen
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Pages227-241
Number of pages15
ISBN (Print)9783031325144
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event19th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, ICCCBE 2022 - Cape Town, South Africa
Duration: 26 Oct 202228 Oct 2022

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Civil Engineering
Volume358 LNCE
ISSN (Print)2366-2557
ISSN (Electronic)2366-2565

Conference

Conference19th International Conference on Computing in Civil and Building Engineering, ICCCBE 2022
Country/TerritorySouth Africa
CityCape Town
Period26/10/2228/10/22

Keywords

  • Architectural education
  • Digital skills
  • Digitalisation
  • Employability
  • Pedagogy
  • Virtual reality

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Civil and Structural Engineering

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